According to Green Matters, the US publishing industry cuts down 32 million trees each year to turn them into books. Considering a tree yields an average of 25-30 books, the numbers are staggering. Additionally, 400 million metric tons of carbon dioxide are emitted in producing the books each year. Unfortunately, hundreds of millions of books are also thrown away each year, some ending up in landfills. Needless to say, the book publishing industry is far from sustainable.
Where does that leave us book lovers and our love for reading? How do we reduce the environmental impact while continuing to enjoy reading books?
Turn the page on climate change with these easy-to-implement tips. Being a sustainable reader does not imply not buying print books at all. Or not purchasing new print books. It just needs a more conscious evaluation of our reading habits. Habits that are easy on our pockets, too.
Get a Library Card
The first step to reading sustainably is to get a library card. At its core, a library is all about reuse. Reducing the demand for new books. Moreover, libraries offer you access to books and publications that you may not be able to find in a local bookstore.
Libraries are no longer limited to print books. You also have access to ebooks, audiobooks, and DVDs. Some libraries host sales to make space for new books. It pays to have a library card.
Shop Independent Bookstores
Indie bookstores may not be able to compete with giants like Amazon when it comes to discounts but they provide a more personalized experience. They also implement sustainable habits such as no plastic bags and recyclable gift wrapping.
Reduce your carbon footprint by shopping at your local independent bookstores. Not only is it a great way to support small businesses, it also reduces packaging and transportation. A win-win situation.
Go Digital
Ebooks. Audiobooks. The purists may disagree but a book is a book, no matter what format. It is the content and not the medium.
Save trees by going digital if you are an avid reader. E-readers have a carbon footprint too (manufacture, transportation, charging, etc), but it is relatively less than print books if you are an avid reader. Not to mention the amount of space the physical books would take up.
Buy Second-hand Books
If digital books are not your thing, consider purchasing second-hand books. It reduces the book’s carbon footprint by up to 80%. Not only are they easy on the pocket but are also a great way to increase the life of the book.
There are numerous second-hand book shops online such as Bookchor.com. Opt for a local offline one if possible. My favorite memories from back in college were shopping the second-hand book markets on Sundays.
Participate in Book Swaps
Lending or sharing books is a prickly topic for most of us. Why not go for book swaps instead?
Join a local or online community of book lovers and swap pre-loved books. Or trade old books online with new ones on sites such as KharidoBecho.in. This Christmas, why not have a Secret Santa with used books? The options are endless.
Unhaul or Donate Books
We bibliophiles dream of a home library packed with books. But honestly, are you truly going to read them again or are they just showpieces now?
Share the love of reading by donating books to libraries and schools if you no longer need them. Or consider unhauling them to fellow book lovers. If not in good condition, consider recycling the books.
Choose Green Publishers
The publishing industry including the Big 5 is increasingly opting for eco-friendly practices. The need of the hour.
Seek out and support sustainable publishers who prioritize using recycled paper and materials, and eco-friendly printing processes. Independent publishers who print on demand hence reducing wastage.
Shop Eco-Friendly Reading Accessories
Bookmarks. Book sleeves. Stationery including annotation sticky tabs. Reading lights. Book swags. If you are a bookstagrammer, there are hordes of bookish props too.
Choose accessories made of eco-friendly materials and avoid using plastics. Go for accessories made of recycled paper, hemp paper, or bamboo. Handmade fabric book sleeves. Toxin-free inks. Items that are sustainable and recyclable. As for book swags, take a step back to evaluate if it will be a part of a stockpile before going for it.
Stay Informed
Stay informed as a reader. Reading and talking about sustainability and climate change should not be limited to Earth Day. I have previously shared book recommendations on climate change, the natural and environmental history of India, environmental awareness, translated literature, and some for young environmentalists too. Do check them out.
We can do our bit by reducing our carbon footprint while continuing to enjoy reading. Do you read sustainably? Do share your tips in the comments below.
Sustainable Reading: 9 Eco-Friendly Tips to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint #BlogaberryDazzle Share on X
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Dr. Preeti Chauhan.
This post is a part of ‘Sense and Sustainability Blog Hop’ hosted by Manali Desai and Sukaina Majeed.
Photo credit: Canva.com
July 12, 2024 @ 10:57 am
I love the library. But there are none around me or even close to the area where I live. So I have e-books and audiobooks now. Otherwise books that I haven’t read from my library. I buy a few books only for my daughter. Because I prefer her not using a mobile for reading.
July 12, 2024 @ 11:05 am
This is the best thing I’ve read today Ritu. The figures you provided at the beginning are mind boggling.
I used to be a huge fan of libraries and I gifted memberships to my childrena nd niece. However, with evolving reading tastes I find too few of them well equipped enough, at least in India.
In any case, we must continue to do the best we can.
July 17, 2024 @ 7:33 am
Great way of reinstating the way the world has exploded. We need to become minimalists and sensible at the same with our consumption patterns. I have been aiming to rejoin a library for long, I guess this is the trigger.
July 17, 2024 @ 3:53 pm
I am always trying to follow a sustainable lifestyle but there is one thing I can never switch to. At least for now… E books. I just can’t let go of the smell of pages . I just love buying new books for that reason although I am a big advocate of the library, exchange and hand me down practice!
July 18, 2024 @ 5:48 pm
I love library but now I shifted to new place and I didn’t find any one of it. I like Kindle but can’t read on screen for more than 1 hour. But I found one stall which gives me second hand book. I love library and I am going to find out soon..
July 18, 2024 @ 8:13 pm
Oh these are absolutely necessary, practical and easy-to-follow steps. Since I’ve turned into an eBook reader, I can’t help but agree that that’s one way of ensuring sustainability. However, the other points here would work wonders too, especially the ones about second-hand books, donating books and having library cards.
July 19, 2024 @ 10:54 am
Libraries are excellent places to borrow books from and allow you to read in peaceful silence. More libraries need to be opened. And your eBook point is fantastic too. I’m a physical book purist who converted to eBooks after being convinced of its immense benefits.
July 19, 2024 @ 11:53 am
I would love to opt for a library but India seems to be lacking in that aspects. I used to purchase second hand but now I have gone the ebook way, which is the most convenient way. Great article though.
July 19, 2024 @ 12:25 pm
Totally with you on this. My spending and collection of physical books have gone down considerably ever since I got a Kindle. Libraries are the best places to explore and find new titles and recommendations. I avoid book swapping though, am too possessive of my books to lend them.
July 19, 2024 @ 2:14 pm
I always love browsing in second-hand bookshops and libraries. I must try book swap though. I am too possessive of my books for my own liking
July 19, 2024 @ 2:16 pm
I don’t know if I can ever read from a Kindle cuz I haven’t even opened it once despite owning it for several years😁. But my excuse is that I am no longer as avid a reader as I used to be, so I can buy I guess😄.
Anyway, loved your post Ritu. After reading it, I had a good realisation that we can have a sustainable lifestyle in several aspects, we only need to understand how and have the will to make the change.
July 19, 2024 @ 5:52 pm
Very useful tips Ritu. Kids of our generation were encouraged to go to a library to get books as we couldn’t afford to buy so many books. But today, neither we have a local lending library nor do we abstain from hoarding books. I also liked the idea of swapping books. If we form book clubs and swap books, that would be a great idea, isn’t it?
July 19, 2024 @ 6:22 pm
The tips are indeed good ones, but I have 2 things to share. I dont like buying 2nd hand books rather I will love taking a book from someone to read and return. On the other hand book donation is one of the best thing one can do to help people and especially kids who are poor and can not buy book but love to read. But not hauling against a penny as I know many of my blogger friends do by selling the review copies they get. I feel it as mere disrespect towards authors who burn a lot out of the pocket to provide a copy of the books to reviewers. Library reading is love for me, but there is none near me. I read from library a lot in my childhood days and in Delhi CR park area also.
July 20, 2024 @ 12:35 am
I have been trying to implement these points, but find that sometimes i end up buying a book anyway. i do try and shop second hand and borrow/lend with friends where possible. We dont have a library anymore, i dont think my state does.
July 20, 2024 @ 11:25 am
I still remember as kids we had these small book clubs where we would swap books with each other to save money and read more books. It has become a bit difficult with no such people in proximity, but I do love buying books from flea markets or opting for used books.
This also raises the question – are newspapers and paper books to be banished to save the ecosystem, is going digital the only solution to sustainable reading?
July 20, 2024 @ 1:12 pm
I agree that sustainability talks shouldn’t be limited to Earth Day but to be practised daily. I am happy that I donate books to the library which I have read or that I didn’t like. I learnt about green publishers from your post and I will be observant of it from now onwards.
July 20, 2024 @ 5:30 pm
I’m happy to share that my daughters had have their share of love for books and yes, I realized the dilemma of how costly books nowadays are as well as the impact of buying books can have on the world. Getting a library card answers all those problem and it’s a great way too to lessen phone time.
July 20, 2024 @ 8:09 pm
Libraries are such warm places. We had a home library when I was growing up and I used to act as a librarian once I was back from college. Your post is such a useful one, and your tips easy to follow. I have begun to read books on the Kindle app, even though I have always loved physical books, and still do. I also remember how we used to browse around at Moore Market in Chennai ( it was Madras those days), looking for second-hand books, till the whole place burned down. Quite broke my heart! Book swapping is also a brilliant idea. Thanks for your interesting post.
July 21, 2024 @ 5:37 pm
Sustainable reading is a great topic, Ritu. I could not afford to buy cooks and I used to walk to the library from age 7 to read. Buying second hand and donating books is the best way to be sustainable.
July 21, 2024 @ 8:46 pm
The last time I visited a library was a few years ago. The books were poorly maintained and those who borrowed them or used them had made a mess of it. We really need to be more mindful and respectful when using public resources like libraries to ensure they remain a valuable asset for everyone.Book swaps are such a fun way to share the love of reading.
July 22, 2024 @ 1:03 am
Sustainable reading tips are great. I guess I can follow all the tips except the digital read, a paper book has its aura, maybe we can start exchanging books and old copies.
July 22, 2024 @ 3:50 am
When I read the title, I was curious to know how a book-lover like you would treat it with your words;)
I appreciate your steps to reduce your carbon footprint by reading sensibly.
July 24, 2024 @ 1:21 pm
That is a lot of trees. I remember our discussion before we wrote this. Most people think that digital books are better but they have their own carbon footprint.
July 29, 2024 @ 3:44 pm
buying second hand books are such an important step for us readers and i am a proud second book hoarder all through mmy early 20s an sometimes you find gems which one wouldnnt find anywhere .
July 30, 2024 @ 12:17 am
Great tips for sustainable reading! I’ve started using my local library more and buying second-hand books. And, you know i am surprised to get beautiful gems there
July 30, 2024 @ 1:41 pm
This is such an eye-opening article! The numbers highlighting the environmental impact of the publishing industry are staggering. Your tips on sustainable reading are practical and easy to follow. I’ve started using my local library more and love the experience of discovering new books without contributing to more tree-cutting. Supporting indie bookstores and buying second-hand books are fantastic suggestions too. For those who can’t let go of the feel of a physical book, these steps can make a big difference. Thanks for shedding light on how we can continue our love for reading while being eco-friendly.
July 30, 2024 @ 9:38 pm
Oh this would be a hard one for me. I love physical books. They are a collection. I think I’ll do my bit for the environment in other ways and leave the books alone. Though I do minimize my use of notebooks. Taking notes digitally is one way I do that…
September 11, 2024 @ 5:17 pm
These are all wonderful tips. Growing up, libraries were the way I read books and now I frequently donate books that I’m done with reading. Till my baby was born last month, I had also implemented a policy of only buying e-books unless they were the Christie’s which I’m collecting for my Project Poirot. But now I’m scared to put digital devices next to the baby so it’s back to physical copies for some time!